Motorcycle Microusability

Introduction

Motorcycles are small vehicles that offer a much different experience of the road than a typical car. A motorcyclist must deal with conditions such as weather and traffic with greater sensitivity and nuance as they are immediately exposed to their surroundings (This is Your Brain on Riding, 2020). Motorcycle ergonomics is a critical line of study for designers with sometimes the most severe of consequences. While commercials and media sell motorcyclists as an exclusive community of fringed leather jackets and skull-and-bones bandanas, these vehicles are relatively common and highly accessible to users regardless of their leather paraphernalia. With some education and training, the average person would be able to successfully operate this vehicle (Mossey, 2012). However, that does not mean that the average person would seek out the experience of riding on a motorcycle as this vehicle only appeals to certain audiences.

This particular study will observe the experience of a single participant via video recording. The participant will be the primary study of this micro usability test. It is important to note some of his demographic information as it likely impacted his decision in purchasing his motorcycle. The participant is a 25-year-old middle-class male, who uses his motorcycle recreationally and relies on a car for regular transport to his job in Boston from his apartment in a suburban area outside of the city. Suburban living offers the space to have a recreational vehicle of this scale in storage in an apartment parking lot. In addition, this suburban typology permits easy access to roads that are more suitable to the ideal venture of a motorcyclist: smooth, 40-50mph, one or two lanes in width, and scenic in nature. This user also has friends and family members that are familiar with motorcycles that further contribute to his participation and ownership of his vehicle.

Methods

For the purposes of this evaluation of a motorcyclist audience and goals, two methods were used to collect data. Firstly, general research was conducted and gathers from various sources on the internet, and, secondly, a single video of a user participant was received via iPhone messaging. However, some limitations of this micro usability test include a small sample size (one participant), limited time frame (30-second video of a single ride), and logistics of the observation (participant knowledge of video). It should also be noted that the observed tasks include results that are specific to the model of the motorcycle owned by the user participant, residing and abiding by laws of the US. 

User

The defined audience of this micro usability test, based on the user participant, can be defined by several key characteristics: seeks thrill/excitement, enjoys challenging outdoor recreational activities, looks to engage with like-minded communities, and dedicates time to this interest. In this case, this vehicle is intended for recreational use as the participant uses a car for primary transport to and from work. 

Firstly, this audience, seeking thrills and the “exhilaration of a great ride” (Take Care of Your Vertebrae, and They'll Take Care of You, 2020). And as such, some of the words that this audience tends to use include “corner carving,” “corner rocket,” “thumper engine,” “agility,” “prowess,” and “power”(14 Best, 2020). The audience is looking for opportunities to engage in activities to raise adrenaline.

Secondly, this audience enjoys challenging outdoor recreational activities and generally seeks to explore new places and landscapes. It would seem that ridership experience corresponds to experience in length of time and diversity of terrain (14 Best Beginner Motorcycles, 2020). Photos and stories of weekend excursions and cross-country journeys point to the extensive landscapes that have been collected to form a narrative of particular journeys (Pass Masters, 2020). 

Thirdly, the motivation guiding the audience to proceed with this purchase seems to be rooted in a feeling that this purchase admits him into a particular community. Based on the language of the motorcycle websites in this study, it seems that riders are usually male and have a very specific relationship with their vehicles, oftentimes the motorcycles are assigned a female gender. This personification amplifies the value and complexity of emotions that the rider feels toward this vehicle—there is a particular allure to the shape and body of the motorcycle. And yet, as a part of this like-minded community, individuals still seek to define their unique identities as evidenced by the plethora of customization options for each bike model and style (14 Best Beginner Motorcycles, 2020). 

Finally, it is critical to note that the defined audience is relatively well educated on this type of vehicle and has chosen to make a significant investment on his motorcycle. The defined audience has chosen to allocate the necessary funds and energy to educating himself on the vehicles, obtaining a license and insurance, purchasing an appropriate vehicle that fits his needs, and maintaining his vehicle for regular use. Further, the audience understands the physical parameters of motorcycle ridership as a person must unusually be fit enough to maneuver the large vehicle and maintain balance while riding.

Goals & Tasks

Most motorcyclists and also likely the participant of this study would argue that key features to examine in motorcycle selection include appropriate: “seat, foot controls, handlebars, and suspension” (Take Care of Your Vertebrae, and They'll Take Care of You, 2020)

For a motorcyclist there are several primary functions that are critical to the experience of the ride, these include: starting the bike, getting seated, preparing to ride/positioning body, checking levels on dash, and ensuring grip/feel on handlebars. These functions can be directly translated into actionable tasks for evaluation (in the same relative order): turning the ignition key, mounting the motorcycle, releasing the kickstand, reviewing the dash, and feeling the clutch. .